URJ Camp Coleman

Building
Jewish identity
one child at a time.
A campaign for Camp Coleman
“The 15 summers I spent at Coleman
were transformative.
During these
summers I decided to become a rabbi
and to dedicate my life to serving the
Jewish people. The joyful approach to
Jewish living that I first experienced as a
camper, and later as a staff member,
continues to inform every aspect of my
work as a rabbi.”
Joui Hessel
Associate Rabbi,
Washington Hebrew Congregation,
Washington, DC
Coleman Camper 1983-1990
Staff Member 1991-92, 1994, 1996-99
Summer camp.
Just two words. For many, they evoke warm memories of fun, friendship, and personal growth.
In the Jewish community, they represent a future of purpose, pride, and strength. It’s no secret that Jewish summer overnight
camping is recognized as one of the most effective means of strengthening Jewish identity. A truly “24/7” Jewish living
environment, Camp Coleman provides experiences rich in the vibrancy of Judaism and Jewish culture.
Camp Coleman is creating a Jewish future of vitality and hope one bunk at a time.
OUR HISTORY
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Cleveland, Georgia,
Camp Coleman has provided seminal experiences for
thousands of campers since 1962. One of 12 camps under the
auspices of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), Coleman is
dedicated to giving its campers a broad array of Jewish living
and learning opportunities.
Each summer, nearly 800 campers and 180 staff members
participate in Coleman’s programs. Camp Coleman provides a
wide range of outdoor, waterfront, artistic and athletic activities.
JEWISH VALUES, JEWISH LIVING
Camp Coleman introduces its campers to the beauty of Jewish living and integrates Jewish values into its daily
program. It strives to create a culture in which every camper feels comfortable and learns to embrace four
core Jewish values: chesed (kindness), shalom (peace), kehillah (community), and kavod (respect).
Coleman also seeks for its campers to take these core values with them when they return to their families,
schools, and temples.
Through such off-season programs as NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) conventions, religious
school retreats, camp-sponsored overnights, and Camp Jenny - a Mitzvah-corps program serving inner-city
youth - Camp Coleman supports and strengthens the greater Reform Jewish community throughout the year.
“The camp’s 10th graders
visited Whitwell, Tennessee
where they heard a group of
students who commemorated
the Holocaust by collecting
paperclips and brought a
German rail transport car to
their town, where no Jews live.
“When I stepped into that
railcar that carried so many
Jews to their deaths, I realized
how lucky I was. I have had
so many positive Jewish
experiences with my friends
at Camp Coleman. Being
inside that car reinforced the
common bond among us
and strengthened our sense
of unity not only as friends but
as Jews, as a people.”
Jon Cohen
Marietta, Ga
Camper 2002- present
A CONNECTION WITH ISRAEL
Coleman campers gain a genuine connection to Israel and Israelis. The Coleman program includes a trip to Israel for
11th graders. Hundreds of campers have traveled to Israel who might otherwise never have gone.
In addition, Coleman brings many talented Israelis to camp each summer as part of its staff. In recent years, an
increasing number of Israeli staff members have returned to camp for multiple summers, forming an integral part of the
Coleman community. Campers and staff form strong connections with the Israelis, thereby increasing their desire to visit
and learn more about Israel.
“The first Jewish songs I learned to
sing were at Camp Coleman. The
first time I led a group in singing was
as a Coleman song leader. The joy,
melodies, and enthusiasm of Camp
Coleman inspire me and infuse my
work today.”
SONGS FROM THE HEART: THE JOYFUL SOUNDS OF SUMMER
Lisa Segal
Associate Cantor, Temple Beth Am
Miami, Florida
Camper 1975-79
Faculty 1998-present
Music and song are interwoven into the fabric of daily camp life. This love of music is spread throughout
the Jewish world by the many songleaders who got their start at Coleman.
Beyond the friendships, the melodies and sounds of camp are the experiences that campers most
cherish. A song learned at the campfire; a melody sung during Shabbat services; an enthusiastic cheer
rallying the entire community: these are the sounds that reverberate throughout a camper’s life.
“When we met at Coleman in 2001,
we began a typical summer romance.
It blossomed into a steady relationship
and ultimately marriage in 2005. We
had a wonderful honeymoon, but
couldn’t imagine ending it at any place
other than Camp Coleman. There, we
were surrounded by friends and
colleagues and embraced by a warm
loving community. Coleman will always
be a part of our family and our lives.”
Artie Lieb
Camper: 1986-1995 Staff: 1996-2001
Jennifer Israel Lieb
Staff 2001-2004
THE NEED FOR A BETTER HOME
In 2001, Camp Coleman raised $3.5 million during phase I of a $12 million capital campaign. With these funds, Coleman erected a new dining hall
that enabled all campers to once again dine together at one sitting. A creative arts center, outdoor chapel, health center, and athletic facilities were
also added.
Coleman’s leadership has now embarked on the campaign’s $8.5 million phase II. Funds from this phase will be used to expand and modernize all
cabins. Modern, roomy, and airy cabins are a vital part of the camp experience and provide an important backdrop for daily life. A number of new
facilities will also be added. These include a performing arts center/chapel, recreational and activity sites, a children’s playground, an amphitheater,
and a campfire site. Each of these improvements will allow Coleman to meet current demands and to offer expanded and enhanced programs.
In order to attract and retain top quality staff and faculty, the plan includes the creation of a Staff Housing facility. Because Coleman is the site of
numerous youth and congregational retreats, the Staff Housing facility, along with several new bunks of the Camp Jenny Children’s Village, will be
constructed for year-round use.
The state-of-the-art Coleman campsite will provide campers and staff with the opportunity to bring camp life to a new level.
“I live in Athens, Georgia and
attend a high school with only 4 other
Jewish students. Coleman is my
community, peer-group and youth
group rolled into one. It's the place
where I am most comfortable and
the only place where I can be me. I
can't wait to return to Coleman every
summer.”
Elan Zeichner
Sophomore, Cedar Shoals H.S.
Camper: 1995- present
“I was Camp Coleman’s first
program director during its initial
summer in 1964.
“What a thrill 15 years later to start
sending my sons Jonathan, Jeremy,
Michael, and Mark as campers to
Coleman.
“And imagine the thrill last
summer when my grandson Bradley
started in Bonim, the youngest unit.
The world has completely changed
since 1964, but Coleman continues
to inspire and shape its campers in a
nurturing environment.”
Merle Singer (below, left)
Rabbi (Emeritus)
Temple Beth El, Boca Raton, FL
Coleman Staff 1964-1965
Faculty 1979-Present
Jonathan Singer (below, right)
Camper 1979 -1985
Bradley Singer (below, center)
Camper 2005
HOW YOU CAN HELP
A campaign to fund Phase II of improvements to Camp Coleman has begun. Its success will provide a
campsite offering our children a compelling summer experience.
Yet the campaign is about more than new buildings and improved facilities. An expanded and refurbished
Camp Coleman will be an important site for Jewish living. It will provide our children and grandchildren with
the knowledge, skills, pride, and determination to live Jewishly. A vibrant, joyful, Jewish future rests today on
a strong, renewed Camp Coleman. Join us as we build our future, “One Child at a Time.”
URJ Camp Coleman
Winter Office
1580 Spalding Drive
Atlanta, GA 30350
Phone: 770-671-8971
FAX: 770-671-0241
Summer Office
201 Camp Coleman Drive
Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone: 706-865-4111
FAX: 706-865-6516
www.campcoleman.org